दश-अवतारDash-avtars
The ten incarnation of Lord Vishnu
Introduction
"Whenever Dharma, or the situation of law and order, is endangered on this world, I shall incarnate onto this world to re-establish Dharma, law and order, and to protect the good people and to destroy the evil elements of the society."
In Hindu Scriptures, Bramha is considered the creator, Vishnu - the protector and Siva - the destroyer. In this holy trinity as Sri Maha Vishnu is the protector, Vishnu has taken several forms over the ages to come to the rescue of His devotees; The Dasavataras are the 10 incarnations of India.
Vishnu is the name given to the protector and sustainer of the universe. Lord Vishnu has incarnated in various life forms through different yugas (ages or eons) in situations where Dharma was in danger, because of certain evil elements in the world. There are ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu. These incarnations are termed as the 'avatars' of Lord Vishnu. Each avatar of Lord Vishnu shall be presented below with appropriate details of the situation under which the lord was compelled to appear on the earth.
The following are the 10 principle incarnations of LORD VISHNU in 4 YUGAS:
Avataaras in Sata Yuga (Matsya, Koorma, Varaaha and Nrisimha)
Avataaras in Treta Yuga (Vaamana,Parasuraama and Sri Rama)
Avataaras in Dwaapara Yuga (Krishna and Buddha)
Avataara in Kali Yuga (the apocalyptic Kalki, yet to be)
Dasavatara – Story of evolution
• The Avatar (incarnation) concept is a corner stone in Hindu philosophy.
• Avatar is a descent or a direct incarnation of God to ascent the mankind.
• Periodically the Supreme Lord Vishnu descent upon the earth, in animal or human forms and the mission is to preserve the world from the increasing evil.
While many explanations are given for the 10 avatars of Vishnu, one can see striking similarity of these stories with the theory of evolution of life.
Theory of evolution of life
The INCARNATIONS OF VISHNU with the Sanskrit names, Scientific relation and time period:-
Matsya-It means Fish. The creatures that live solely in water. And time period approximately 600 million-400 million years ago.
Kurma-It means Turtle. Those that can live in both water and land. (amphibians) and approximately100 million years ago.
Varaaha-It means Boar. Those that live solely on land. (mammals) And time period approximately 60 million years ago.
Narashima-It means Half lion and half human, Half lion and Half man a stage between Homo sapiens and animals. And time period approximately 30 million years ago.
Vaamana- It means Short man Homo sapiens with short stature. And time period approximately 5 million - 2 million years ago
Parasurama-It means Parsu = axe and Rama name of god The rough and tough and not so civilized human. (Rama with the axe) And time period approximately 350,000-100,000 years ago
Sri Rama-It means Rama with the bow The Perfect example of Civilized human. Approximately 18 million years ago.
Sri Krishna- Name of lord Vishnu , Superhuman. Approximately 5000 years ago
Buddha- Civilized human more than 2000 years ago
Kalki-The apocalyptic Not yet. (After 427,000 years avatar will take place.)
Relevance of Dasavatar
• The Hindu myth of Dasavatar (10 incarnations) describes how Vishnu, the central figure in the triad of Indian gods, incarnated from time to time to save mankind and the sacred scriptures of India's ancient civilization from the evil designs of demons. As in other myths which make up the vast body of Hindu scriptures, the victory of good over evil is a persistent theme of all mythologies in the world and Hindu mythology is no exception.
• The scientific theory of evolution states that life on earth began as single celled organisms and later developed into multicelled beings. Moreover, the theory further states that aquatic creatures came into existence first. Then came amphibians that could exist in water as well as on land. Land dependent animals and airborne birds followed the amphibians. Finally, human beings completed the cosmic drama of creation.
Matsya(vtara) the fish
The Gist: He appeared in order to rescue the Vedas from the waters of devastation.
The story:
In the earliest yuga (era) of Satayuga, a king named Satyavarta was performing severe penance for thousands of years. Satya Vrata was a great and good King. Once he went to the river KRITAMALA for offering water (Argya) during Sandya vandana. A small fish came into his hands as he cupped his palms to lift water. He dropped it back in the water. But every time he lifted water the fish was sure to get into his hands. The King left it in a tub but it grew so fast that the tub could not hold it. The king transferred into a well, pond, lake, river and finally the sea as it overgrew so rapidly that none of them could contain it. Satyavrata was amazed, when the fish revealed himself as Lord VISHNU. When the Lord asked the king what he wanted, he did not desire anything for himself. He did not even want Moksha. All that he sought was that even during the impending Pralaya; he should be instrumental in saving the life of worthy souls from destruction.
The fish told him that on the 7th day from then a great deluge (Mahapralaya) would take place when a severe tornado would rip through the Universe and destroy it. But, if Satyavrata could muster herbs, seeds and a pick of beings he wanted for the next Kalpa and keep ready, the fish would send a spacious boat in which all of them as also the Saptarishis (7 sages) would be accommodated and saved. The fish advised that Vasuki, the serpent should be brought and used as a rope for fastening the boat to the horns of the fish. Satyavrata did exactly as advised by the fish and the entire crew was saved. As the boat sailed throughout the night of Brahma, Lord Vishnu taught Satyavrata and the Saptarishis what is known as “Matsya Purana.”. Thus, Vishnu saved true devotees from destruction and endowed them with divine knowledge.
In the next yug the king Satyavarta was known as king Manu, and he started life again on the earth.
Kurma Avatar-The Turtle
The Gist: He acted as a support for the mountain used in the pastime of churning the ocean.
The story:
By the grace of God, the Devas were living happily and were resplendent with glory. Once sage Durvaasa went to the abode of Sri Vishnu and offered obeisance to Sri Vishnu and Sri Mahalakshmi (Consort of Sri Vishnu). He got a garland of Sri Mahalakshmi from a Vidhyadhara damsel. Earlier, the divine mother was pleased with performance of the damsel on Yazh, (a stringed musical instrument like harp) and had gifted the garland to her.
While returning, Sage Durvasa passed through the Indraloka where Indra, Lord of Devas was coming in a procession mounted on his elephant. Durvasa offered the garland to Indra. Indra did not receive it with due respect but plucked it with the Ankusa (a goad used to spur the elephant) and placed it on the head of the elephant which promptly threw it down and trampled upon it. The sage got angry at the callous behavior of Indra and instantly cursed him and the Devas that all their glory and splendor would be lost and they would become emaciated and shorn of their power. Even as the sage turned his back, his curse started operating and the Devaloka lost its luster.
Indra went to Brahma who led the Devas to Sri Vishnu, the protector. Lord Vishnu advised that they could reclaim their lost glory and strength only if they drank the nectar of immortality which could be got only by churning the milky ocean. But, how could they do it? Lord Vishnu suggested that they lift mount Mandara and place it in mid-ocean as a churn dashery using Vasuki, the serpent as a rope for turning it. But, weak as they were, Devas could not even think of lifting the mountain. Lord suggested that they make truce with the Asuras and enlist their support in a joint venture! But, he also warned that the Devas should not desire any of the things emerging from the ocean even if the Asuras forcibly took them. They should not rest until the nectar appeared and he himself would ensure that the Asuras did not snatch it.
Brahma returned to his Satyaloka and Indra set forth to the Capital of Asuras for peace talks. The Asuras were pleased and agreed to participate in the joint endeavor of lifting the mountain and churning.
As they tried to lift, the burden of the mountain was too much and many on both sides got crushed. Lord Vishnu mounted the mountain on the back of `Garuda' his carrier, who flew to the seashore and safely deposited the mountain right at the center of the ocean. Vasuki was wound round Mandara. The Asuras out of ego would not settle for the tail side. So, they took charge of the head side of Vasuki, while the Devas had to make do with the tail side.
As the churning began, the mountain wobbled as it had nothing to support and began to sink. Immediately, Lord Vishnu took the form of a giant sized tortoise, plunged into the ocean and emerged out with the mountain on his back.
They churned now with ease. The first thing to appear was the deadly poison called Halahala or Kalakuta (black poison) representing the impurities of the ocean. The poison was so potent as to blind the eyes and affect breathing. Responding to the prayer of the Devas and Asuras, Lord Siva drank the poison. Parvati, his consort stopped the poison from descending down the throat. Hence, Siva is also called NEELAKANTA (Blue-throated). Then emerged SURABHI (the cow), VAARUNI (wine), KARPAKAM / PARIJATHAM (a tree), APSARAS (nymphs) CHANDRA (moon), SRI (Mahalakshmi), UCHAISRAVAS (the white sonorous steed), AIRAVAT (Indra's elephant).
Finally, Lord DANVANTARI (the divine physician) who is none other than another incarnation of Lord Vishnu appeared with a golden pitcher with AMRUTHA (the nectar of immortality) - an elixir of life that can prolong life indefinitely. (It is also believed to have the properties that can change any base metal into gold) Both the Devas and Asuras were excited and a fight royal ensued.
Lord Vishnu now took the form of a beautiful damsel, enticed the Asuras to give up their fight and entrust to her the task of distributing of nectar among them all, on condition that none would question her action. Both sides agreed to the condition. The Mohini (bewitching damsel) started distributing first to the row where Devas had seated. The Asuras waited for their turn. But, by the time she completed serving the row occupied by the Devas, there was not a drop of nectar left in the pitcher. Then, Mohini appeared as Lord Vishnu, mounted on his Garuda and flew to his abode. The Asuras were disappointed as they were charged on the Devas. But, the rejuvenated Devas easily vanquished the emaciated Asuras and regained their lost power and glory and the asuras were driven to Patala loka. It will be seen that Lord Vishnu did everything. He advised them how to get nectar, how to enlist support of their sworn enemies. He arranged to the lift the mountain. He deliberately allowed the asuras to be on the head-side of Vasuki which spouted poison and killed a number of asuras. He held the mountain on his back to enable the churning. He took the form of Danvantri and emerged with the pitcher of nectar. He again appeared as Mohini to ensure Devas and deprive Asuras of a share in the nectar. Without all this help, none of these could have happened and Devas would have been languishing from the effects of the curse of Durvasa forever.
Varaha Avatar-The Boar
The Gist: He picked up the earth and killed the demon Hiranyaksha.
The Story:
The Maanasa putras of Brahma, Sanaka, Sanandana, Sanaatana and Sanatkumara – visited the abode of SRI NARYANA. At the seventh entrance, the gate keepers, Jaya and Vijaya stopped them even though they had the right to meet with the Lord without prior appointment. Enraged at this, the RISHIS cursed them to be born in the world. The Lord appeared and approved of the curse but since they were repentant, modified the fiat by offering them to be born on three occasions as demons to be killed by himself in his three future Avatars after which they could re-enter the Kingdom of god.
It is these Jaya and Vijaya who were born as Hinanya-aksha (Golden eyed) and Hiranya kasipu (Golden dressed) during the period of Varaaha and Nrisimha Avatars respectively; Ravana and Kumbakarna during Rama Avatar and Sisupala and Dantavaktra during Krishna Avatar and were killed by Lord Vishnu in the respective Avatars after which they ascended the Kingdom of God.
In the first case, they were born to the sage KASYAPA and his wife DITHI. It is believed that the disposition of progenies would be determined by the time the parents united for procreation purposes. And, they were born with demoniac traits as the couple united at an inauspicious time. The two demons developed a hostile attitude towards Lord Vishnu and when sage NARADA narrated a prognosis of the next Avatar of NRISIMHA, they vowed to hide the earth under Patala so that they could prevent the manifestation of the Lord on earth. They set about to conquer the Devas with their newfound power and started tormenting virtuous souls. The Devas pleaded with Lord Vishnu, the protector and preserver of the Universe. He assured them that he would do the needful.
Brahma was meditating on the Lord, when a tiny boar emerged from one of his nostrils. Even as Brahma wondered what it was, the boar grew in size and became as big as a huge mountain with a roar that reverberated through the universe, it took a mighty leap into the air and plunged down into the ocean and reached the fathomless Patala where mother earth (Bhumi Devi) was kept concealed by the demons. Digging his tusk, the boar lifted Bhumidevi and held her secure in its horn.
Hiranyaksha was itching for a fight and when he saw this mountain like pig, he was astounded. Immediately, he rushed to charge the boar and hurled insults on the boar. In his limitless pride he cried, 'Foolish pig, leave the earth where it is and go away. Yes, I now know who you are; you are none other than Vishnu in the form of a pig. I have come to break your head.' So saying he stopped the pig. The Earth - Goddess trembled at the fearful appearance of the demon. But Varaha did not take notice of these things. He was rising from the ocean.
Varaha heard these insulting words and put aside the Earth. A dreadful fight followed between them. The gods witnessed this terrible fight. It went on from morning till evening. Brahma was very anxious to see the fight finished by Adivaraha (the first pig) before darkness fell, for, as darkness approaches, the strength of Rakshasas too, grows. As though he read Brahma's thoughts, the divine pig smiled and sent his disc (the Chakra) whirling towards Hiranyaksha, which destroyed all weapons of Hiranyaksha. Then Varaha struck a stunning blow on Hiranyaksha's cheek. The blow was so terrible that Hiranyaksha fell to the ground and died. Thus the evil was outdone and also mother earth was safely restored to her place.
Narashima Avatar- Giant lion man
The Gist: He appeared in order to save His young devotee Prahlada.
The Story:
On learning of the death of his brother at the hands of Lord Vishnu, Hiranyakasipu vowed to kill Bhagavan and his devotees (Bhaagavatas) who were engaged in a Yaga. With this end in view, he did penance propitiating Brahma and got several boons. That he should not be killed by any created thing, on earth or sky, at night or day, inside or outside, by man or beast, celestial beings or Asuras, by any poisonous beings alive or dead or by any weapons.
He became invincible and commenced tormenting all good people. When he was busy doing penance, Indra took away Hiranyakasipu's wife, who was pregnant. Sage NARADA stopped him and proceeded to explain to her the glory of MAHAVISHNU. The fetus growing in the womb listened to the discourse of Sage NARADA and became an incorrigible Bhakta of Sri VISHNU. On return from penance with all the boons he got from BRAHMA, Hrianyakasipu proclaimed that he was himself God and nobody should pay obeisance to VISHNU. When the baby was born to Hrianyakasipu, he was named PRAHLADA meaning one that is supremely happy. When he came of age, PRAHLADA was sent to the Gurukula of his preceptor SUKRACHARYA.
Sukracharya tried to inculcate the new syllabus of adoring Hrianyakasipu as God. However hard he tried, Sukracharya could not divert the attention of PRAHLADA from his attachment to VISHNU.
Having failed in his efforts, Sukracharya complained to Hrianyakasipu who became angry with his son, roared and threatened him. But, nothing would move PRAHLADA from his devotion and determination to worship Lord Vishnu. When asked where from he got the courage to defy, the son replied he got the strength from the All-powerful VISHNU.
He ordered PRAHLADA to be cut asunder but only the weapon used got broken.
He had him cast away into the ocean but the Lord of the ocean brought him unaffected.
He was hurled from top of a mountain but the boy was saved by the gentle hands of Lord Vishnu.
He let snakes bite Prahlada but the Lord who reclines on Adisesha saved the boy.
He ordered elephants to trample him and
He ordered the boy to be burnt by fire. But, Prahlada emerged unscathed every time.
Hrianyakasipu became exasperated. Enraged, Hrianyakasipu vowed to kill Vishnu and then Prahlada. He asked Prahlada where Vishnu was and showed a pillar that was in his palace and asked if Vishnu was in it. Prahlada replied in the affirmative and asked him to say where He was. Hrianyakasipu kicked the pillar with a bang. With a resounding crash the pillar cracked and, Lord Vishnu emerged from it in the form of half-lion half- man to substantiate the words of Prahlada. On seeing a creature that was neither human nor animal, Hrianyakasipu realized that it could be none other than Lord Vishnu himself. Almost instantly NRISIMHA seized him and crushed him in a close embrace but he slipped through his hands, and charged him with a sword. By that time, dusk had arrived which was neither day nor night, NRISIMHA carried the Asura to the doorstep where under the arch of the doorway he sat laying the Asura on his lap. Thus, it was neither earth nor sky, neither inside nor outside. NRISIMHA tore Hrianyakasipu to death with his claws. Claw is not a weapon, one that was neither alive nor dead. He then killed Hiranyakasyapa thus saving the life of his devotee Prahlada.
Vamana Avatar-The dwarf
The Gist: He tricked the demon king Bali into relinquishing control of the universe.
The Story:
MAHABALI, the grandson of PRAHLADA was a virtuous king. He performed a sacrifice called `VISWAJIT' (conquest of the worlds) meaning that which bestows mastery over the three worlds. With the help of SUKRACHARYA his preceptor, he drove Indra and Devas to the nether world and occupied MAYAVATHI, the capital of Indra. BRIHASPATI counseled Indra to wait. Nothing could be done and MAHABALI would fall only if and when his preceptor cursed him for disobeying his command a situation that could be contrived only by Lord Vishnu.
Kasyapa Rishi had another wife by name ADITI who was the mother of Devas. As the banishment of Devas took place at a time when KASYAPA had gone out for meditation, she awaited his arrival. And, when he returned she narrated the happenings. KASYAPA and ADITI performed a `PAYOVRATA' - (penance for 12 days when the sacrificers could drink only milk). This was done to propitiate SRI VISHNU. Vishnu was pleased and appeared before them and told that he would be born as the youngest son of ADITI and would help in restoring the glory of Indra. Accordingly he was born during a bright fortnight of the month Bhadrapada. The baby immediately grew up to be a short statured Brahmin Brahmachari (celibate) called VAMANA.
This Brahmachari entered the sacrificial grounds of BALI who was performing Aswamedha (horse sacrifice). He was resplendent and shone like a thousand Suryas. Bali was amazed, received him with due honors and requested what he wanted - cows, elephants, horses, gold, chariots and promised that he would give whatever VAAMANA wanted. Vaamana said that he did not desire any of these but wanted that much of land as measured by three steps in his stride. BALI readily agreed and asked his wife to bring water for consecrating water in his palm. His Guru, Sukracharya realized that it is only Lord Vishnu who had come in the garb of a Brahmachari and prevailed upon BALI to retract from his promise. But, Bali insisted saying that if Lord Vishnu himself were to seek alms from him, there could no greater glory for him and he would not retract.
Sukracharya became angry and cursed him that he would soon fall from his high position. And, SRI VISHNU was waiting exactly for this moment. Soon after the consecration VAAMANA grew and grew so tall that all those who witnessed were amazed to witness such a phenomenon. Vaamana became TRIVIKRAMA and began to measure the three paces. By the first he strode like a colossus and covered the earth. By the second, he measured the Heavens. And, asked BALI where was he to measure by the third pace. BALI bowed low to Vishnu and prayed VIKRAMA to place his foot on his head. Lord Vishnu sent him to Patala loka(underground world), to rule there and thereafter to enjoy for a whole Manvantara, the position of Indra. It is believed the Lord is still guarding the palace of MAHABALI and had conferred immortality to MAHABALI in recognition and appreciation of his steadfastness in upholding his promise.
Parasurama Avatar-Rama with the axe
The Gist: He wiped out twenty-one generations of impious kings.
The Story:
In the form of a hero, Rama, armed with an axe, Vishnu destroys the Ksatriyas, or warrior caste, in the interest of the priestly caste, the Brahmins. In Hinduism, Parashurama ("axe-wielding Rama") is the sixth avatar of Vishnu, and a son of Jamadagni. He received an axe after doing penance for Shiva. He is a Chiranjeevin.
King Kaartaveerya-arjuna and his army visited Jamadagni, who fed his guest and the whole army with his divine cow; the king demanded the cow and Jamadagni refused because he needed the cow for his religious ceremonies. King Kaartaveerya-arjuna sent his soldiers to take the cow and Parashurama killed the entire army and the king with his axe. In return, the princes beheaded Jamadagni. In revenge, Parasurama killed the entire clan of Kaartaveerya-arjuna, thus conquering the entire earth, which he gave to Kasyapa.
According to one legend, the story goes on that Parashurama was struck by remorse at his wanton killings, and offered penance on a mountain top. The sea god Varuna responded, and offered him land equal to the distance he could throw his axe. Parasurama threw his axe from Gokarnam and it fell at Kanyakumari. As promised the sea gave way to land, thus giving rise to Kerala.
Parashurama once went to visit Shiva once but the way was blocked by Ganesha. Parashurama threw the axe at him and Ganesha, knowing it had been given to him by Shiva, allowed it cut off one of his tusks. And thus Ganesha got another name Ekdantan.
Sri Rama Avatar –The ideal person
The Gist: He rescued his wife, Sita, from the clutches of the demon Ravana. He was “The Prince charming-the personification of righteousness”.
The Story:
Ram is the 7th incarnation of Vishnu and the central figure of the Ramayana epic. The Ramayan is the very soul of India. It is a complete guide to God-realization, the path to which lies in righteousness. The ideals of man are beautifully portrayed in it. Everyone should emulate those ideals and grow into ideal human beings and ideal citizens.
Ram took birth to free the earth from the cruelty and sins of the demon King Ravana (Ravan). Ravana had practiced austerities in order to propitiate Shiva and Brahma, who had granted him immunity from being killed by gods, gandharvas or demons. One of the gods had to take on a human form in order to be able to defeat Ravana.
Ram was born as the first son of Dasharatha, king of Ayodhya. Ram's mother was Kausilya. Ram had three brothers: Bharata (Bharat) born from the second wife Kaikeyi, and Lakshmana (Lakshman) and Shatrughna born from the third wife Sumitra.
One day Saint Vishwamitra visited Ayodhya and asked Dashratha to send Ram and Lakshmana with him because the Yakshini (demon) Tarka - with her two sons Mareech and Subahu - were terrifying him and the other saints at his ashram. They were not letting them worship and meditate. Ram went with Lakshmana and Vishwamitra to kill Tarka. On the way to Saint Vishwamitra's ashram there was a dense forest. When they entered the forest Tarka came to kill them but Ram killed her and her son Subahu with a weapon given to him by Vishwamitra. Ram also shot an arrow at Mareech and threw him 100 yojan far away.
Later Ram went with Saint Vishwamitr to Mithila where the wise King Janak ruled. King Janak had organized a svayamvaraa (an acient custom wherein the bride chose her husband of her own accord from amongst a number of suitors). It was announced that whosoever will bend the bow of Lord Shiva will marry King Janak's daughter Sita. Sita was an incarnation of Lakshmi, the consort of Lord Vishnu. But none of the suitors was able to lift Lord Shiva's bow, except Ram. Ram lifted the bow with his one hand and bended it so hard that it even broke.
So Ram got married to Sita, and his brothers got happily married to Sita's sisters. After returning and living happily in Ayodhya the old King Dashrath decided that it was time to give his kingdom to his beloved son Ram. There Kaikeyi, the third and youngest wife of the King, claimed the throne for her son Bharat. A long time before the young Queen had saved the King's life and he had promised to fulfill her two wishes. Manthara, the crooked and evil-minded maid-servant of Kaikeyi influenced the queen to claim her wishes now in favor of her son and to request Dashrath to banish Ram from the kingdom for fourteen years, and to install Bharat on the throne instead. The King was shocked, his heart was broken, but he knew that truth is the highest Dharm, and that he had to fulfill his promise to his wife. So Ram went to exile happily, knowing that to obey and serve his father was the highest duty of a son.
After Ram left to the forest, Dashrath died from the pangs of separation from his beloved son Ram. Bharat went to the forest to meet his brother Ram and to request him to come back to Ayodhya. When Ram refused to return, in honor of the promise to his father, Bharat took Ram's “padukas” (wooden sandals) and placed them symbolically on Ayodhya's throne. Until his brother returned from the exile Bharat served the kingdom as a true and honest caretaker of Ram.
Once Surpnakha, the sister of Ravana, passed by the place where Ram was living. She saw Ram and became impressed by his beauty. She transformed herself into a beautiful lady and went to Ram and asked him to marry her. When Ram refused and told her he is already married to Sita, she became angry. Coming back to her original form she ran towards Sita to kill her. When Lakshman saw that he cut her nose and one ear. Surpnakha then send her brother Khardushan with fourteen thousand rakshasas to avenge her. But all were killed by Ram.
Surpnakha now sought vengeance through her older brother Ravana, but only got his interest by pointing out that the beautiful Sita would be a fitting wife for him. Ravana lured Ram and Lakshman away from Sita by sending an enchanted deer of extreme beauty and then took Sita to his kingdom of Lanka. On the way, Jatayu, a vulture bird and old friend of Ram's father Dashrath, fought Ravan but was fatally wounded. He lived only long enough to tell Ram what had happened upon his return.
In Lanka, Ravana tried to threathen Sita into marrying him, but was rejected again and again. Meanwhile, Ram made an alliance with the monkey King Sugreeva, who had been exiled from his kingdom by his brother Bali. Ram helped Sugreeva to regain his kingdom and in return Sugreeva raised an army of monkeys and bears, led by Hanuman. When they reached the sea, Hanuman flew across. On the way he had many adventures, which can be found on the Hanuman page.
In Lanka, Hanuman promised Sita that help would come soon. When he was then captured by the rakshasas, Ravana ordered them to set fire to Hanuman's tail, wrapping it with oily rags. But Hanuman increased the length of his tail so much that there seemed no end to it. He escaped and used his burning tail to set fire to all of Lanka.
Meanwhile, Ram's army had built a huge bridge between Lanka and the mainland. They crossed the ocean and attacked Ravana's army. During the battle, Lakshmana was heavily wounded, but he was cured by a magic herb which Hanuman flew all the way to the Himalayas to obtain. Not finding the herb at first, Hanuman brought the entire mountain just to be sure. Finally, all rakshasa generals were killed and the battle becomes a single combat between Ravana and Ram. Finally, Ram killed Ravana with a special weapon given to him by saint Agastya.
This was a moment of great rejoicing. Ram and Sita were finally crowned King and Queen of Ayodhya, though people were doub ting that Sita had preserved her virtue while being Ravana's captive, which is another story in itself.
Sri Krishna Avatar –The philosophical man
The Gist: In KRISHNA Avatar, Lord Vishnu incarnates himself as KRISHNA, the central character in the epic MAHABHARATA. In the biggest epic of Indian mythology a myriad of topics are covered, including war, love, brotherhood, politics etc. It is essentially the story of two warring groups of cousin brothers, the PANDAVAs and the KAURAVAs. As a part of the Mahabharata, during the war KRISHNA, gives a long discourse to his disciple ARJUNA, collectively termed as Bhagavad-Gita.
The Story:
In KRISHNA Avatar, Lord Vishnu incarnates himself as KRISHNA, the central character in the epic MAHABHARATA. In the biggest epic of Indian mythology a myriad of topics are covered, including war, love, brotherhood, politics etc.krishna was the son of Vasudeva and Devaki but bought up by Nanda and Yasoda in gokul. Till he was teenage. Balarama was the son of Rohini the first wife of Vasudeva. His elder brother Balarama was also there with him who helped Krishna from childhood itself. Balrama is believed as the incarnation of the great serpent Sesha Naga on whom Lord Vishnu reclines.
Krishna, during his child-hood was responsible for the killing of Kansa.In his childhood he has done various bala leela. Lady-demon called Putana was killed by Krishna who came there to kill him. The second attack on Krishna came from another demon, named Saktasura (a demon in the form of a wooden cart). Child Krishna kicked this demon also and killed him. Another demon called Trinavrita, he assumed the form a whirlwind and tried to kill Krishna but Krishna killed him. Then Krishna one day tasted mud and when his mother asked him to open his mouth, he show whole universe in his mouth and lord Vishnu appeared and given darshan, but told that as soon as he disappear she will forget because Krishna want to continue bala leela. One day fruit vendor appear and Krishna purchased all his fruits and in return he brought plam full of grains but while bringing grains fell from his plam and only 5 -6 grains were remaining and the lady accepted because Krishna was giving with great affection. At home when lady saw grains turned into jewels.
Both the brothers Balarama, and Krishna, grew up at Gokulam. When Krishna started walking he indulged in his naughty pranks: stealthily entering the houses of cowgirls and stealing their cream, curd and butter Nala and Kubera had been imprisoned in these two trees and Lord Krishna had released them by this action. A demon named Vatsasur, turning himself into a cow.Krishna recognizes him and killed that cow when he attacked first. Another demon, Bakasur, who attacked in the form of a crane. Krishna tore its beak in two. Krishna was later attacked by a snake-demon, Ugrasur. It sucked him into its mouth. Krishna expanded his body to such an extent that the snake burst into tiny bits.
Then Krishna went into the Yamuna River to bring ball which fall by mistake while playing. In that river kaliya naag was staying. He fought and wins. And requested him to leave that place and go to the island where all snakes are living. While coming out Krishna dances on the hood of the snake. In this way the river was rid of the poison of the snake. Not only did he destroy numerous demons, but also performed his famous rasa dance. As Krishna grew up, he exuded charm and attracted everybody.
Krishna also saved life of all the villagers when Indra was in anger and flood came in the village. Krishna had taken all the people and given shelter under Goverdhan Mountain. Krishna holds this mountain on his little finger for 7 days till flooding was over.
After that grew up and then he killed Kansa and the evil friends of Kansa. Then he involved in the politics as he became the member of Mathura and in future he build his own kingdom named as Dwarka. It is also the story of two warring groups of cousins the Pandavas and the Kauravas. In the battle between the Kaurava's and the Pandava's, he was with the latter, because they followed the path of righteousness. As a part of the Mahabharata, during the battle of Kurukshetra Krishna, gives divine knowledge in the form of a long discourse to his disciple Arjuna. This discourse is collectively termed as Bhagvad-Gita.
Unlike Ramayan, Mahabharata deals with more down to earth issues like politics, human nature, human weaknesses, and does not attempt to idealize the characters as in Ramayan.
Buddha Avatar-Civilized human.
The Gist: Lord Buddha appeared to spread the divine knowledge among the people.
The Story:
Lord Buddha is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu that appeared about 2000 years ago. He came for special purpose of stopping the people from committing violence.
Lord Buddha appeared as a son of a king in northern India. His name was Siddhartha Gautama. He lived in a fantastic palace, enjoying the best food, clothing and entertainment. He could have anything he wanted. He was kept protected from the rest of the world and has no idea what it was like beyond his palace.
After sometime he becomes curious about the world. He wanted to see how others lived. He went off in his chariot to visit the village near his palace. Gautama was shocked and horrified! He saw sick people, poor people, dying people and others who were died being carried off to be cremated. He never realized that suffering existed like this. His only thought became to try to find a way to end suffering.
He was determined to find an answer to the suffering that he slipped out of his palace one night, leaving his beautiful wife and baby behind. He removed his gorgeous silk robe and put on a torn and faded orange cloth. He cut off his fine black hair and gave away all his jewelry to his servant. He took only a simple begging bowl and, sending his servant home, went on to find an answer to his great question.
He asked spiritual teachers to teach him everything they knew. He performed great austerities, living in wild forest, burning in the heat of the day and freezing cold at night, and sleeping on bed of thorns. He fasted until his body became very thin and weak.
Still he didn’t find any answer to his question. He knew that if he continued in this way, he would die. So he took little food to give him strength and went on by himself. He came to the place call Gaya, where he found a huge tree. He made a cusion of grass and sat beneath the tree, determined to say there until he found an answer to his question.
He began a deep meditation, no longer asking questions and being taught by others, but looking within himself. Gautama began to understand a stage of being that could not affected by suffering, a state where there are no desires. His final understanding came after a full moon night in May. As dawn broke, he looked up and saw the morning star rising. At that moment he saw the truth for himself. He was not called Gautama any longer, but the Buddha or “Enlightened One”.
Buddha began spreading his teachings throughout northern India. For forty-five years, he walked from village to village, preaching and gaining followers.
Buddha’s teaching s covered many things but one main aspect of his preaching was ahima, non-violence. At the time when Lord Buddha appeared people were not so religious and liked to eat animal flesh. So he lord came himself to make aware about the good thing and bad things and tried to stop the killing of animals. He gave the divine knowledge and tried that people should follow that path. In this way there were many people who became the follower of Lord Buddha. Since he is the supreme lord, they would become purified by following him directly.
Kalki Avatar-next avatar
The Gist: Lord Kalki is not appeared yet but very soon he will appear to destroy the evil people and he will bring back Satya Yuga on this earth.
The story (found from scriptures):
The Kalki avatar is the one avatar who has not yet appeared. Right now we are in the age known as “Kali yuga”. Kali yuga lasts for 432,000 years. It is the age of quarrel and hypocrisy. Hypocrisy means say one thing and doing another. Someone may say he is a very good person but he may lie , cheat, and steal or cruel. That is hypocrisy and this is very comman in this age.
Things gradually get worse and worsen in Kali Yuga. People became smaller and weaker and do not live very long. Hardly anyone follows any religious principles. Almost all the king will be thieves and most men will be violent and dishonest. The plants and trees will be very tiny and will not give much fruits. There will hardly be any rainfall.
At this time, the end of the Kali Yuga, the supreme personality of god head will appear on the earth. He will come to rescue religion. As we learn from our scriptures that, Lord comes to save his devotees and to protect religious principles. In 427,000 years from now he will come as Kalki avatar.
It is predicted in the scriptures that lord will appear as the son of Vishnuyasa in the village called Sambhala. All the incarnations are mentioned in the scriptures so we know if they are real or not.
Lord Kalki, the lord of universe, will ride a swift and white colored horse called devadatta, with his sword in his hand; he will travel over the earth showing his power. He will ride with great speed and killing the millions of thieves who have pretended to be kings. There will be refreshing spiritual breezes that carry the sweet smell of lord’s sandalwood paste and flowers. After the demons kings have been killed, the people in the cities and towns will become become purified by feeling these breezes. They will have children and repopulate the earth.
With Lord Kalki’s appearance Kali Yuga will end and Satya Yuga, the Golden Age, will begin. In Satya Yuga people live a to a very old age and are very saintly. The will produce all sort of wonderful fruits and flowers and will provide what everyone needs.
